Living for Less: 5 of the Most Affordable Places to Live in the US

If you want to settle your family of four in the Big Apple, you’ll need to make a little less than $125,000 per year. You may not have much left over, either.

If sunshine is more your gig, Miami residents need over $70,000 per year to cover the basics. Out west, San Francisco dwellers come in at $113,000 per year.

These cities, though attractive and livable, have some of the highest costs in the US. So, what if you want livable and affordable? We’re here to help.

Take a look at the 5 most affordable places to live in the country. You may find your next home!

Las Vegas, Nevada

Mid-range apartments rent for around $1,000 and groceries for a month are about $400 for a family. And, even with its blazing summer heat, utilities range from only $180 to $200 per month.

Housing values continue to increase in the desert paradise since the 2011 bust. A lot of houses can still be had in the $160,000 range, an affordable investment.

And, day or night, there is always something to do!

San Antonio, Texas

This eclectic city is famous for music, art, and some of the best Tex-Mex dishes on the planet. The Spurs, Sea World, and its beautiful riverwalk delight natives and visitors alike.

With the cost of living well below the national average, you’ve got a livable feast. Most homes are well below the $200,000 mark, and an average apartment is less than $1200 per month.

Though the climate is subtropical and warm, utility costs fall below $170 per month. A night out for two is also affordable at around $40, leaving enough for a pub crawl along the river afterward.

Knoxville, Tennessee

Median home costs are in the $160,000 range, and renters enjoy prices in the $1,000 range. Mild temperatures ensure utility costs under $120 per month for an apartment.

Not surprising, this mid-size city is experiencing a hot home marketplace. Buying in Knoxville is an investment that will pay dividends in the years to come.

The robust area has Tennessee college sports, Ijams Nature Center, and beautiful downtown.

Fort Collins, Colorado

Colorado boasts one of the highest numbers of relocating families in the US.

Fort Collins has more than 300 days of sunshine and a plethora of options for a healthy lifestyle. The draw for those venturing here is employment with several large, well-paying companies.

Anheuser Busch, Hewlett Packard, and Kaiser Permanente call Fort Collins home. Ideal temperatures keep utility costs low, and a rental for two is a bargain at around $1300 per month.

Dayton, Ohio

This larger city is a boon for those wanting low housing costs. The average price for a home in the US is over $200,000. In Ohio, it’s $130,000.

A two-bedroom place can rent for less than $800, and the utilities will hover around $100 per month. There are snowy months, but mild summers give ample river time nearby to stock the freezer with trout.